BNC - Breotish News Corporation

[Breotonia]

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LONDON - For weeks now there has been controversy over the announcement that the Shaw-Fujikawa Group would be placing a bid on medical technologies company Optican. On May 24 Shaw-Fujikawa issued a statement confirming rumors that they were in the process of attempting to purchase the healthcare provider. Since then complaints have been lodged by several groups attempting to incite the Department for Trade and Industry to block the move using a mix of anti-trust and strategic asset laws.

The Shaw-Fujikawa Group was formed in 1974 by British born Tobias Fleming Shaw and Wallace Fujikawa, the son of Oikawan immigrants. Originally a utilities and transportation company it has since grown into a conglomerate covering many fields. Over the past few decades it has been involved in several high profile corporate takeovers. A similar uproar occurred in 2001 when Shaw-Fujikawa purchased Traxus Heavy Industries which was then the largest industrial firm in Britain and one its primary weapons manufacturers. In the past weeks complaints have been filed alleging that the takeover of Optican constituted an illegal action under anti-trust laws.

An official Shaw-Fujikawa spokesperson dismissed the allegations as unfounded and said that they had been contrived by rival business interests simply as a means to inhibit the company's growth. Others put forward the idea that the move constituted a violation of laws which were passed to prevent the takeover of "vital strategic industries".

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Trade and Industry Department Officials rendered a verdict today in a report citing the two primary concerns of protesters. They came to the conclusion that idea that Optican's purchase would violate anti-trust laws was unfounded. "There is no reason to suggest that this action will result in an anti-competitive atmosphere and does not itself constitute and an act of anti-competition or monopoly." On the allegation that the move was prevented under Britain's strategic interest laws the department gave a similar response. "Optican is not composed of utilities or infrastructure that are vital to the security of His Majesty's Government or this nation. Furthermore, such laws exist to prevent foreign takeover not domestic takeover."

Many experts had already predicted that such a decision would have been reached. Despite their existence Britain's anti-trust laws are internationally regarded as extremely weak. It was also widely accepted that the argument for the strategic value of Optican was unfounded and likely put forward with full knowledge that it was likely to fail.

 

[Breotonia]

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[Breotonia]

Wilson dead at 67
Prime Minister suffers fatal stroke in office


LUNDEN - Early this morning John Wilson, the seventy-sixth prime minister of Breotonia, was pronounced dead at Royal Lunden Hospital after suffering a stroke. Shortly after midnight Wilson was in private consultation with Defense Minister Simm when the incident occur. He lost consciousness almost immediately and could not be revived despite the arrival of emergency medical personnel within a few minutes. Similar attempts failed en route to the hospital. The Prime Minister went into emergency surgery to locate the source of the clot but found extensive hemorrhaging that they were not able to counter. Wilson had a history of high blood pressure which the medical examiner has sited as the probable cause for the bleeding. Wilson expired an hour after admittance.

The body will lie in state in Admiralty Hall for several days. Then, after a long march from the Government Quarter, the services will be held in St. Luke's Cathedral.

Wilson was born in 1943 in Zeal in the southwest of Breotonia. His father, Sir Paul Wilson, was a junior officer in His Majesty's Royal Navy and stationed in Zeal for the duration of the Great War. He studied economics at the LSE and later entered into politics when he won a surprise victory for the longtime liberal stronghold of Flydale North as a member of the Conservative Party in 1991. After spending many years diligently on the backbench and later in several party positions he was appointed to head the Treasury in 2001. In 2006 he led a successful bid for the party leadership and was elected Prime Minister primarily on a platform of fiscal conservatism. He enjoyed a quiet but well received term and was expected to lead the Conservative Party to another victory in the next election expected sometime in 2011. The Royal Family, foreign governments, and cabinet colleagues have all expressed deep sadness at his passing.

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NEWS IN BRIEF​

• Defense Minister Simm serving as interim prime minister until he is granted assent by His Majesty to assume full responsibilities
• Major policy decisions not expected; Simm makes clear that certain programs will be cut but denies rumors of economies in defense spending
• Shaw-Fujikawa making signifigant enroads in Great Sarmatian holdings in former Freiheit, extols GS for orderly rule and friendly business practices
• Fishing disputes between Breotonia and Belmont escalate, mid-level meetings are expected to resolve issues but tempers remain high on both country's respective departments

 

[Clarenthia]

:!: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Republic of Jurzan sends its regards and sympathies to the people of Breotania and the Family of Prime Minister Wilson. We truly hope that all goes well for the Kingdom of Breotonia.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Office of the President
Commonwealth of Cornavia

On behalf of the entire Commonwealth and the Cornavian citizenry it is my sad, but unavoidable duty to relay my condolences to the next of kin of Prime Minister Wilson.

I will be in attendance at the funeral services as a representative of the Commonwealth alongside my wife Mrs. Diana Breckenridge.

In addition, until the funeral a book of condolences will be available for signing in the public section of the Parliament Hall, and will be presented by myself at the funeral.

Regards,
Mr. Charles Breckenridge,
Commonwealth President

 

[Serenierre]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Our condolences to the relatives of Mr. Wilson and the people of Breotonia for losing such a great man.

 

[Batavië]

Prime Minister's Office | PMO

It is with great regret and sorrow that I write to the government and people of Breotonia today upon hearing of this tragic and unexpected news. Unfortunately I was not able to meet Prime Minister Wilson personally. After the funeral, which I intend to attend in person, it would be my great honour to meet officially with the new PM.

With deepest smpathy

- Prime Minister Alex de Jonghe

 

[Touzen]

Imperial Ministry of War and Foreign Affairs

On behalf of His Imperial Majesty and the entire government and people of the Empire of Greater Oikawa, I send my deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Wilson and the people of Breotonia in this moment of suffering and mourning.

Yoshikawa Katsu
Imperial Minister of War and Foreign Affairs

 

[Breotonia]

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Foreign Office​

His Majesty's Government and the family of the late Prime Minister are deeply moved by and thankful for the condolences of the Republic of Jurzan, President Charles Breckenridge of the Commonwealth of Cornavia, the Kingdom of Belmont, Prime Minister Alex de Jonghe of the Republic of Batavië, and Imperial Minister Yoshikawa Katsu of the Empire of Oikawa. The Breotish People have expressed their immense gratitude for the international community's kind words and sympathy in the wake of this most tragic event.

With humble and ever abiding appreciation,
Rt. Hon. Matthew Steel MP
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

 

[Arendaal]

Aren Ministry of Foreign Affairs

His Majesty King Edvad V's government offers its sincere condolences to Prime Minister Wilson's next of kin and to the people pf Breotonia on this sad occasion. In Mr Wilson Europe has lost a truly commendable politician and a great man.

 

[Großlausitz]

Das Auswärtige Amt

On behalf of His Royal Highness the Prince-Regent, His Majesty's Government and the people of Franken I would like to convey our sincerest condolences. Of course the Kingdom of Franken shall be duly represented at the prime minister's funeral.

Robert Beaumont
Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Breotonia]

Simm Appointed Prime Minister
Simm Accepts Invitation by King

Lunden - Late last evening former Harold Simm was invited to the royal palace by Gregory V and officially asked to succeed the recently deceased John Wilson as Prime Minister of Breotonia. Simm appeared before His Majesty and accepted the invitation to lead the Government. Simm, along with the Defense Council, had acted in the interim since the tragic death of the former prime minister to govern the nation. Simm had been expected by most observers to be the Conservative Party's natural choice for the party leadership.

The Conservatives control a strong majority of the Commons and Wilson was expected to serve a second term after the general parliamentary elections tentatively scheduled for early to mid 2011. Party leaders have suggested that they might be contemplating calling for an election before the end of the year or in early January to legitimize the new prime minister.

A cabinet reshuffle is likely though, as of yet, unconfirmed. Simm will need to appoint a new defense minister to take his place. Currently the ministry is being run by Sir Simon Fraser who was selected to be its permanent secretary following the appointment of its previous permanent secretary, Sir Bernard Wolsey CMG, to Cabinet Secretary. Very intense rumors are spreading that the Intelligence Ministry is to be abolished. The Prime Minister's Office has refused to comment on any additional changes to the cabinet. A spokesperson for Intelligence Minister Katherine McColl flatly denied that they had any knowledge of such a change.

As the incoming prime minister, Simm is expected to make statements of policy changes and restructuring of the government within the coming week.

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NEWS IN BRIEF​

• Foreign Office issues notes of gratitude to Aren and Frankish foreign ministries
• Simm approves new defense expenditures drafted during interim government; details to be released during parliamentary budget inquiries next week
• Labor, LibDems, BNP, other major parties prepare for early elections
• Former Cabinet Secretary Sir Roger Hunt CMG CGO is to be made a life peer as Baron of Brookwood and enter the House of Lords
• Health Ministry issues guidelines and quarantine measures to combat possible spread of Brinac disease, Foreign Office issues travel advisory for Papal States

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistrubted. ©2010 Breotish News Corporation, LLC a division of Shaw-Fujikawa Media Group. All rights reserved. All market data delayed 20 minutes. The BNC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

 

[Breotonia]

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Foreign Office​

His Majesty's Government is deeply worried and offended by the recent Frescanian Declaration that they would be unilaterally imposing a blockade and containment action of the Bay of Nariño. We are equally insulted that, as the First Sea Power and Primary Enforcer of the Laws of the Sea (as laid out in the Sacred Mantle Declaration of 1744, the Naval Declaration of 1820, Admiralty Statements in 1899, 1920, and 1939 and the Sea Commerce and Trade Protection and Arbitration Act of 1959, as well as generally recognized by the international community), we were not consulted nor was any attempt made to consult of the naval quarantine of the most important trade route in the world.

Any prevention or interference with neutral traffic, even in times of war, is absolutely unacceptable and has not and will never be allowed by His Majesty's Government or His Majesty's Armed Forces. Currently en route or already operating in the Belmontien-Breotish Strait through and including the Frescanian-Coronadon Strait are four carrier battle groups His Majesty's Royal Navy under the command of Home Fleet they are coordinating with an additional two battle groups from NAVCENTFLT. These ships are in place to ensure there is NO interference with neutral traffic be that military, civilian, or commercial. The Frescanian Navy is permitted to monitor sea traffic without impeding it. It may also, should it choose to, engage combatant ships without Breotish interference. Ships who feel they have been wrongfully detained or any other way interfered with, may signal for Breotish assistance and ships will be dispatched to ensure your rights. Civilian frequencies are being monitored. Attached is contact procedures for foreign navies should they wish to reach the HMS Aegis Fate (CVN-77).

Let it be made perfectly clear that this is a matter of the utmost seriousness to Breotonia. There has not been such a threat to Breotish interests since the Great War which, as historians can tell you, Breotonia entered for the sole purpose of stopping an blockade action not in anyway different from the one you hope to impose now. This is not a declaration of war but a friendly ultimatum to remind Frescania and all other nations who, in their admirable endeavor to ensure peace, take measures that, in less heated times, they would realize are egregious and uncivilized.

Sincerely,
Rt. Hon. Matthew Steel MP
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

APPROVED BY:
Office of the Prime Minister
Rt. Hon. Harold Simm MP
His Majesty's Defense Council
Flt. Adm. Terrence Hood

 

[Breotonia]

Frescanian Blockade
Foreign Office Issues Complaint

Lunden - Yesterday evening President Gutierrez made the announcement that, as a measure to contain the Belmontien-Coronadon conflict, the Frescanian Navy will be initiating a blockade of the Nariño Bay extending through the strait between Coronado and Frescania that opens into the Long Sea. The Admiralty and the Foreign Office issued a statement of condemnation for the measure as an affront on the Laws of the Sea (a Breotish legal concept) and further for not attempting to organize their action with the Breotish Royal Navy.

For the past five centuries the primary foreign and military policy of the Breotish Government and the Breotish Armed Forces have been the protection of trade and commercial traffic on the high seas. Over the years this has evolved into a codified mandate of Breotonia to ensure constant insurance of the rights of neutral vessels by the might of the Royal Navy. The most notable (and most costly) example of the the country's commitment to this policy was the Breotish entrance into the Great War to counter blockade and containment measures undertaken by the as of then unformed EDF. Today the Royal Navy continues with this as a primary mission and considers it a duty it must carryout in all waters stretching from the Oikawan International Dateline through the Long Sea. A series of treaties and naval agreements which began in the early 20th Century have prevented Oikawan and Breotish interests from conflicting by limiting the Royal Navy's "jurisdiction" within the West.

The Defense Ministry (still being run by Permanent Secretary Sir Simon Fraser) has announced the movement of the Home Fleet, three battle groups strong, to ensure the carrying out of the Mandate. An additional battle group from the Central Fleet is en route for support. It is rumored that Prowler-class submarines are aiding in the operation but, as per usual, the Office of Naval Intelligence has not issued any statement and declined questioning.

Informants from the Foreign Office and the Prime Minister's Office have all hinted at the possibility that "very high level" discussions were underway to prevent the situation from escalating. Whether or not these rumors hint to a possible agreement with Frescania or something else are unknown though sources say an announcement may be imminent.

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NEWS IN BRIEF​

• Health Ministry extends time frame for measures to prevent the spread of Brinac disease
• Parliamentary review of amended defense expenditures from new Simm Government soon
• Conservative Party Leadership confirms elections set for the end of December; preparations underway

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistrubted. ©2010 Breotish News Corporation, LLC a division of Shaw-Fujikawa Media Group. All rights reserved. All market data delayed 20 minutes. The BNC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

 

[Breotonia]

Cabinet Reshuffled
Simm Announces Intelligence Ministry Dissolved

Lunden - This afternoon Simm held a short press conference at Admiralty House and announced his cabinet appointments which included the surprising (though rumored) plan to abolish the Intelligence Ministry. Some informants had said such a change was possible but it had been strongly denied by the Intelligence Minister herself. Katherine McColl had issued more than one statement attempting to quash the gossip. It seems, as is so often, that the minister was the last to know of a major departmental change. She is said to be "livid" with the decision and especially about not be consulted.

The Office of Naval Intelligence is planned to assume the responsibilities of the Ministry and the office's directorship, currently occupied by Vice Admiral Aaron Hadley, will be made a cabinet level position. The transition is expected to be smooth considering that, by far, ONI had been the largest component of the Breotish intelligence community and already possessed many of the same duties that other nation's top level intelligence institutions have.

There have been several times in the past when Simm, in his former capacity of defense minister, and McColl clashed over issues of funding and resources and they are known to not be on good terms. Simm insists the move is not personal or political. The new prime minister explained that the need to streamline and centralize the bureaucracy was his primary concern and that he has advised His Majesty to grant Mrs. McColl a life peerage and a seat in the House of Lords. Many consider this a double edged honor, being sent to the House of Lords is often called a "kick upstairs" and a sure end to a political career.

There was also no surprise that Simm asked John Shaw of the Conservative Party to take the vacant position of defense minister. Shaw, cousin to Tobias Shaw of the Shaw-Fujikawa Group, is a relatively new backbencher who has made a name for himself on several defense and economic committees and was considered by many to be a likely choice to fill the seat. All other senior level cabinet officials retain their posts.

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NEWS IN BRIEF​

• Parliament committee reviews amended defense expenditures; large outlay of funds for new naval construction
• Campaigning for election underway; polling shows Conservative party remains popular but voters unsure about Simm as PM

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistrubted. ©2010 Breotish News Corporation, LLC a division of Shaw-Fujikawa Media Group. All rights reserved. All market data delayed 20 minutes. The BNC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

 

[Breotonia]

Agreement Reached With Frescania
Blockade Will Not Threaten Trade/Mantle

Lunden - In a welcome announcement by the Foreign Office, Secretary Steel made known that a compromise had been reached between Breotonia and Frescania regarding the proposed blockade and containment of the Southern Gallian War. Initially the Foreign Office and the Admiralty were quite disturbed by the action as it violated the very foundation of freedom and movement and trade on the high seas which is as important to Breotish interests as democracy might be for others. Some pundits went so far as to say that, unless Frescania were to entirely back down, there might very well have been fighting.

Leaders on both sides took great measures to ensure that this did not happen and communiques between the two governments intensified as they tried to reach an accord. Secretary Steel said that, "President Gutierrez, Chancellor Carmelas, and Secretary Marquez were very keen on not wanting this to become a point of conflict, as was this Government, and worked very closely with us to make sure such a thing did not occur. We are greatly indebted to their willingness to cooperate. We have reached an agreement that I think all will find satisfactory."

The agreement which has not been released in full but has been summarized for the public states that the Frescanian Navy will not impede, board, or prevent the passage of any neutral ship civilian or military. Ships may be detained in any manner by the Frescanian forces, however, should they be a knowing aid to either warring party and therefore a de facto combatant. Both governments agree that this meets the needs of southern republic in that it fulfills their aim of sequestering Belmont and Coronado to prevent the spread or prolongation of the war and also does not violate deeply held Breotish convictions to the Freedom of the Sea.

The Royal Navy maintains four battle groups specifically tasked to maintaining these principles in the area and has restated public procedures for contacting the Royal Navy for assistance should they be interfered with. Breotonia and the navy remain bound by Breotish law to do whatever is necessary to defend these rights.

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NEWS IN BRIEF​

• Admiral Winter, the operational commander of the CBG Aegis Fate, continues to oversee the four battle groups under Home Fleet during the Belmontien-Coronadon conflict
• Wilson revises defense expenditure proposal; will allow parliamentary review but not public disclosure besides the total funds; government watchdogs and anti-war groups outraged; previous statement increased acquisitions by nine billion pounds
• Shaw-Fujikawa posts favorable earnings from domestic products in the western Greater Sarmatian territories
• Election dated in the week following Christmas; Conservative Party officials feel the new government must be legitimized as soon as possible

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistrubted. ©2010 Breotish News Corporation, LLC a division of Shaw-Fujikawa Media Group. All rights reserved. All market data delayed 20 minutes. The BNC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

 

[Batavië]

Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken | BuZa

I commend my counterparts in Breotonia and Frescania for reaching a peaceful and hopefully affective compromise. Let this be an example for the civilised world how disputes should be settled. Let us also hope that the parties involved in the South Gallia Conflict realise that the bloodshed must end. Batavia maintains its offer of moderation whether a cease-fire is or is not agreed upon.

Arjan van Vliet
Minister van Buitenlandse Zaken

 

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

Breotonia is putting the interests of big business over the independence of Coronado. Frescania's naval blockade threatens the future of Coronado by denying vital assistance to repel Belmont and deter further aggression.

 

[Breotonia]

Foreign Office

The Royal Navy will not impede any ship at sea, including ones planning to deliver aid of any type to either party. It simply states that it has no responsibility to provide them protection either.

 

[Breotonia]

Breotish New Corporation
Headline Stories

• Naval Deployments - Inside sources in the navy reveal ONI deployments of Prowler submarines for intelligence activities. This comes on the heels of large scale deployments in the area by the naval forces of several EDF countries as well as Carentania. ONI officials declined to comment but the press secretary of the navy expressed that the Admiralty and the High Command are "troubled" by the current mass movement of naval forces in the vicinity of Breotonia and warned that any threatening or illegal action would be rebuffed with all available force. Home Fleet and Central Fleet have both been placed on heightened alert status.
  
• Budget Approved - Parliament approves budget proposals including contentious allocations to defense and intelligence. Notably the requisition budget for the MoD and the very large first budget proposals for ONI since it became a cabinet level department, almost £21 billion (€36 billion). The Liberal-Democrats and many minority parties protested the increases, especially considering new provisions to make defense and intelligence related spending far less public, but a largely party line vote allowed the Conservative majority to accept budget.
  
• Market Downswing - Most markets respond negatively to the continued tense situation in Solaren and the Long Sea area in general. While defense industries have experienced positive activity most indices experience a dip due to continued instability.
  
• Situation with Solaren Tense - The Foreign Office has revised a travel advisory for Solaren which previously warned that travel in the papal state might be dangerous. The advisory has been upgraded to request that all citizens exit the country as soon as possible for fear that the situation may only worsen. Breotonia does not maintain an embassy or consulate but has made arrangements with friendly governments that do that will allow Breotish citizens to use their facilities to get into contact with Breotish authorities. If possible citizens should cross into Lorraine where Breotish diplomatic offices are prepared to handle traveler's cases. The Finance Ministry has dismissed rumors that there are plans to follow the international community in freezing Solaris accounts.

TICKER | LSE - v 9649.34 | LSE All Share - v 4566.10 | SSIA - ^ 7499.99 | S&S 250 - v 5788.89 | SFG - ^ 120.50


This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistrubted. ©2010 Breotish News Corporation, LLC a division of Shaw-Fujikawa Media Group. All rights reserved. All market data delayed 20 minutes. The BNC is not responsible for the content of external sites.